Tories say flexible working will help disabled people

Paul Carter with the Conservatives in Birmingham

The Conservatives have called for a “revolution in the workplace” to introduce more flexible working that would enable disabled people to work.

Theresa May, shadow leader of the House, told the party’s conference in Birmingham, during a speech on supporting Britain’s families, that for many disabled people flexible working was an “economic necessity”.

She said that the practice “enables people with disabilities to access a wider range of jobs”, and that it was a useful tool to get more people back into the labour market.

“If we are serious, as Chris Grayling [the shadow work and pensions secretary] said, about getting more people off benefits and into work, then we must accept that for some, say with long-term health conditions, that is only possible with flexible working,” she said.

She also denied that there was a conflict between helping business and helping people.

“In these difficult times, businesses need the best people for the job and across the country companies who recognise this are rolling out better working practices improving choice, promoting fairness and increasing profitability.”